05 Apr 2022 | 12:00 PM UTC
Greece: Unions plan 24-hour nationwide strike and protests April 6
Unions plan 24-hour nationwide strike and protests in Greece April 6; disruptions to transport and public services likely.
Event
Major trade unions in Greece plan to strike and protest in Greece April 6 to denounce the Russian offensive against Ukraine and call for government intervention to mitigate related price increases. Members of various groups, including ADEDY, PAME, the Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers Association (EEEKE), and the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), will observe a 24-hour nationwide ferry and air traffic controller strike, as well as public transport strikes in Athens. Bus drivers nationwide will strike from the start of service until 09:00 and again from 21:00 to the end of service.
Striking workers will also demonstrate. ADEDY and GSEE workers in Athens will demonstrate at Klafthmonos Square from 11:00, while PAME workers will rally in Syntagma Square at the same time. Workers in Thessaloniki will gather outside the Labor and Employment Center from 10:30. Authorities will likely deploy additional police to monitor the gatherings. Large crowds and related security measures could prompt localized disruptions. Scuffles between protesters and police and also a possibility.
The strike is likely to prompt significant disruptions to flight and ferry services, as well as to public transport in Athens, including Metro, bus, tram, and trolley bus services. Residual disruptions could last into the morning of April 7. The labor action will also likely prompt the temporary closure of government offices, public banks and hospitals; closures will likely be most widespread in Athens. Emergency services will probably still be provided at most hospitals, but delays in receiving care are possible during the strike.
Advice
Avoid the demonstrations as a routine precaution and allow additional time for travel in the vicinity of any gatherings April 6. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules before travel and allow additional time for time-sensitive journeys. Reconfirm flights scheduled April 6; do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed.
